Lavender is a flowering herbal shrub which has been used since ancient Egyptian times. Lavender essential oil, which is steam-distilled from the flower buds, is used as a disinfectant on wounds, for skin care and for aromatherapy. The primary characteristic attributed to lavender aroma is its soothing, calming effect. Aromatic natural chemicals in lavender rebalance the limbic system of the brain to calm stress reactions in our bodies. This calming effect helps induce sleep to overcome insomnia.